Just released test results of the annual California Department of Education Accountability Progress Report (APR) show that Fremont Unified School District has continued to achieve strong gains in the Academic Performance Index (API).

The API is one measure of Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) and is given on a scale of 200-1,000 with schools scoring above 800 ranked as "high performing." FUSD's 2010 Academic Performance Index (API) growth score remains strong at 868, an increase of 9 points from last year's base API.

"This District's academic gains are built on a foundation of good teaching, but continuous improvement only happens when we all work together," said Dr. Morris, FUSD Superintendent. "These impressive test scores require the work of committed students, dedicated teachers, involved parents, and the support of our secretaries, bus drivers, cafeteria workers, custodians, etc. Every employee plays a role in the success of our students."

Thirty-two of FUSD's 42 schools maintained or increased from their 2009 base API score. Robertson High School, the district's continuation school, showed the greatest increase in API in the district at 84 points.

"Our focus going into the school year was to continue our work to improve the teaching and learning that goes on at Robertson High School," said principal Sal Herrera. "With that in mind we were more strategic in our approach to instruction, and we helped students understand the importance of the STAR test to themselves, to Robertson, and to the District. Overall, the students and staff at Robertson High School have plenty to be excited about."

Durham Elementary School increased their API score by an impressive 64 points, the second largest increase in the district. This will keep them from progressing further into Program Improvement.

"Teachers shared their best ideas with each other, improving their everyday teaching and providing powerful interventions focused on specific skills gaps of students," said Principal Teresa Bonaccorsi. "Focus, teamwork and positive energy were the key elements to our success."

Mission San Jose Elementary school has the highest API score in the district at 995.

"The staff at Mission San Jose Elementary is gratified and proud of this increase in our API scores because it validates our focused efforts with students who did not pass some portion of the STAR test the previous year," said Principal Bonnie Curtis. "MSJE is committed to continuing this effort during the 2010-11 school year as well as meeting the academic needs of students of all ability levels."

A few additional highlights from this year's report include:

Of 28 FUSD elementary schools, 19 met their 2010 AYP goals, as did 1 of 5 junior high schools and 2 of the 5 comprehensive high schools.

25 of the 28 elementary schools, 4 of the 5 junior high schools, and 2 of the 5 comprehensive high schools have API scores above 800, ranking them as "high performing".

18 schools posted double-digit increases in their API score.

Hirsch increased their API 46 points to 885 and Brier, a Title I school, showed an increase of 37 points to 856.

Four schools had API increases of more than 20 points: Maloney (27 points to 851), Irvington (25 points to 856), Azevada (23 points to 829) and Mattos (22 points to 863).

"The Board members are proud of all of our schools for continuing to make gains, year after year," said Lara York, FUSD Board President. "Even during these trying times, our students and teachers continue to show that hard work pays off. We all are proud of our Fremont schools."

The AYP and API present increasing challenges for all California districts because the bar for success is now being raised higher every year. FUSD uses an on-line assessment reporting and analysis system to better examine students' specific skill strengths and weaknesses. With this tool and other resources and supports, schools will be better able to provide the needed strategies to help all of our students succeed. The goal continues to be for all students to test proficient or above by 2014.

Fremont Unified School District is comprised of 42 schools including 29 elementary, 5 junior high, 6 high schools, an adult school, and the Mission Valley ROP. For more information visit www.fremont.k12.ca.us.